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How to make Digestive bitters and Liver Tonic.  An important health tonic that can boost digestion, balance liver health and so much more.  Bitters add beautiful interest and depth to drinks and cocktails. A fun and easy project that takes very little hands-on time! Perfect for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

How to make Bitters!

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  • Author: Tonia Schemmel | Feasting at Home
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 1 week
  • Total Time: 168 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1-1 1/2 cups
  • Category: how to, dyi, gifts,
  • Method: infused
  • Cuisine: american

Description

Learn how to make homemade bitters to use in cocktails, mocktails or as a digestive aid. Bitters are fun and easy to make and perfect for gifting! Here are 4 bitters recipes:


Ingredients

Units

Liver Tonic Bitters

  • 1-pint jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • 1/4 grapefruit (about 1/2 cup), peel and all cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 tablespoon artichoke leaves
  • 2 tablespoon dandelion root (not roasted)
  • 1 tablespoon burdock root
  • 1 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
  • 1/8 cup honey (optional- adjust to taste)
  • 1 1/22 cups vodka or brandy (80- proof)

Digest Well Bitters

Rooty Whiskey Bitters

Ruby Brandy Bitters

  • 1 pint jar with tight-fitting lid
  • 2 tablespoon schisandra berries
  • 2 tablespoon hibiscus flower petals
  • 1 tablespoon Rose petals
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange peel
  • 1/4 cup honey (optional- adjust to taste)
  • 11 1/2 cups brandy (80- proof)


Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in jar.
  2. Seal with lid.
  3. Shake at least once a day, agitation will help flavors and nutrients release more readily.
  4. Let infuse 1-2 weeks, tasting every few days.
  5. Filter and bottle. (Here are the dropper bottles we used.)

Notes

Vinegar can be used instead of alcohol.  (I have not tried it but it would be interesting to experiment with- I would increase the sweetener.)

It is advised to use at least 80 proof grain alcohol.  No need to splurge on fancy here.  I often will use 100 proof as stronger extracts more flavor and medicinal components of the botanicals.

I often omit the sweetener until the bitters have fully infused.  This allows for adjusting to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 tablespoon
  • Calories: 18
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 0.4 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg